s a preparatory measure to support small producers in the face of the possible effects of climate variability, during 2023 the Government of Panama has built 209 wells and 22 watering holes during this 2023 according to data from the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA).

The strategy is in charge of the National Directorate of Rural Engineering and Irrigation, of the MIDA within the actions of the Plan “Against drought, for life and food a government in action.”

MIDA statistics indicate that since 2019, some 2008 wells have been drilled until May 2023. This year, 72 deep wells have been drilled in the province of Los Santos; in Herrera, 75; in Veraguas, 36, in Coclé, 11 and in Chiriquí, 15.

Regarding the watering holes, from 2019 to May 2023, 668 have been enabled and in this 2023, the figure is from 22 to May 31, distributed in Herrera (7), Veraguas (6), Coclé (5) and Los Santos (4).

On May 30, the Cabinet Council declared a State of Environmental Emergency throughout the Panamanian territory in the face of the prolonged drought, so this issue is now given high priority, in support of farmers and agricultural producers, to guarantee the water they need for their animals, their agricultural plantations and thus guarantee the food security of the country.